Many children and families in foster care struggle to be truly seen and heard. Historically, our society has often only tolerated individuals with different sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.
May is the month we celebrate mothers. Social activist and community organizer Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis is the inspiration for Mother's Day in the United States. Jarvis was a dynamic woman who saw needs in her community and found ways to meet them. As a young mother, Ann started “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” to provide assistance and education to families in order to reduce disease and infant mortality.
When I was in college with an interest in working in Human Services of some kind, the only jobs I knew about were with the Division of Family and Children Services and I assumed that’s where I would go. Then, I was introduced to CASA by the director of a summer camp I volunteered at.
During the latter part of each March, the spring equinox occurs. In 2024, March 19th marked the official start of spring. More daylight hours, flowers blooming and bees buzzing around (even amidst all the pollen!), nice weather for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, camping, picnics, watching ball games, and just spending a lazy Saturday afternoon outside in a hammock – all of these come to mind when I think about enjoying the spring season.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and for CASA programs nationwide, it holds immense significance. It's a time to amplify our efforts in safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our community—our children. For CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) programs, this month serves as a poignant reminder of our mission to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
It was the summer of 1982; one of the joys of my 7-year-old life was going four blocks down to “The Ice-cream Lady’s” house with a shiny nickel in my hand to buy a cold treat. My only worry was which one, the frozen Kool-Aid pop or the homemade vanilla, would be my treat of the day. (It was homemade vanilla most of the time.)
Growing up as a child, I distinctly remember the excitement when the federal government added a holiday honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the greatest and most significant Americans in history. As a young boy, seeing one of our Black heroes who fought and advocated for the civil rights and equality of Black people recognized and honored was monumental.
November is National Adoption Month. When reunification with a child’s family of origin is not possible, adoption can be a recommended outcome. Adoption Day holds significant importance for both children and families, marking the beautiful moment when a child finds a permanent home.
Children in foster care often face a unique set of challenges due to traumatic experiences they may have endured. Understanding trauma is essential for those advocating for children who are in vulnerable situations, as it helps provide necessary support and care. Reading books that delve into the topic of trauma can be an excellent way to gain insight and empathy. Even those who have personally experienced trauma can benefit from reading about the subject; these books allow people to see themselves reflected while also creating space to understand the different traumatic experiences.
